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F-35 Lightning II News
First Japanese-built F-35A lands at Misawa AB
November 14, 2017 (by
SrA Brittany A. Chase) -
A Defense Contract Management Agency government flight representative landed the first Japanese-made F-35A on Misawa AB's runway, November 2nd.
Maj. Elijah Supper piloted the brand-new aircraft from the Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Komaki South F-35 Final Assembly and Check Out facility, and was quickly joined by two F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 115th Fighter Wing, Wisconsin National Guard, there to escort the new jet across the Pacific.
"This F-35 is one of the most clean and well-built aircraft I have ever seen," Supper said. "The Japanese take great pride in this aircraft and have ensured it's made to the highest standard."
Although the aircraft is a Japanese Air Self-Dense Force-owned jet, it is required to go through final function tests in the United States to ensure all future F-35A's produced in Japan are up to standard.
To ensure the jet arrives securely in the United States, Supper stopped at here to undergo safety checks on the F-35A before flying across the ocean.
"After our final inspections, the JASDF will roll out the F-35 in their fleet," explained Supper. "This will only further enhance our strong bilateral ties, allowing us to win future wars."
Maj. Elijah Supper, Defense Contract Management Agency government flight representative, taxis F-35A #79-8705 on the runway at Misawa AB on November 2nd, 2017. To ensure the jet safely makes it to the United States, Supper stopped at Misawa AB to undergo safety checks on the aircraft before flying across the ocean. [USAF photo by SrA. Brittany A. Chase]
"This F-35 is one of the most clean and well-built aircraft I have ever seen," Supper said. "The Japanese take great pride in this aircraft and have ensured it's made to the highest standard."
Although the aircraft is a Japanese Air Self-Dense Force-owned jet, it is required to go through final function tests in the United States to ensure all future F-35A's produced in Japan are up to standard.
To ensure the jet arrives securely in the United States, Supper stopped at here to undergo safety checks on the F-35A before flying across the ocean.
"After our final inspections, the JASDF will roll out the F-35 in their fleet," explained Supper. "This will only further enhance our strong bilateral ties, allowing us to win future wars."
Courtesy of 35th Fighter Wing Public Affairs